News

The 2019/20 forecast season is over – THANK YOU for tuning in!

The CNFAIC has wrapped up operations and will no longer be posting conditions updates. Thank you to everyone for tuning in!! It was an interestingly chilly winter with many cold outflow wind events and a snowpack which struggled to stay near 50% of normal. Please see more in our Annual Report, which can be found HERE. Although the forecast season has finished, the avalanche season has not  – please see HERE for some  SPRINGTIME AVALANCHE TIPS!!   Current conditions? Keep tabs on...

CNFAIC suspends backcountry avalanche forecasts until further notice

Official USFS and CNFAIC Press Statement: The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC) is suspending backcountry avalanche forecasts and field operations beginning Monday, March 30th until further notice. This decision is in response to the State of Alaska’s COVID-19 Health Mandates that are now in effect and their impact on CNFAIC field operations. This decision is not taken lightly. As an organization built upon promoting public safety, the CNFAIC priority at this time is maintaining the health and well-being...

Note from an ER doc to the backcountry community in regard to COVID-19 spread

A note from an ER doc to the ski and snowmachine community: Thanks CNFAIC for doing such a great job not only forecasting but also promoting social responsibility. You are amazing. So why does this social distancing thing matter, and why should young healthy skiers and snowmachiners care? And for that matter old healthy skiers and snowmachiners? The short version: This is real. Skiers travel and congregate in groups. So do riders. That is how coronavirus is spread. More people...

“Hunker Down” avalanche education resources for adults and kids

As we all hunker down to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and perhaps binge on screen time, we thought it could be a great opportunity to share some online avalanche education resources.  If you have other resources that you think we should add, please send us an email at staff@chugachavalanche.org. Stay safe and stay healthy. [caption id="attachment_23234" align="aligncenter" width="640"] We all love snow and this is great time to learn more about it from home. Here is a capped...

Update: State of the Snowpack and CNFAIC operations 

Hello Friends, In the upcoming weeks, we hope you find time to spend outside on the snow, exercising and enjoying the fresh air and extra daylight. The CNFAIC staff are planning to provide avalanche forecast information daily. We thank you for your continued support and focus on the safety of our community.  Here’s to working together, staying healthy, and enjoying the small things in big places.   We’re reaching out with a few important updates as things are changing rapidly in...